Aecom
Trusted global infrastructure consulting firm delivering engineering, design, construction management services.
Associate Director, Planning Policy
Lead planning policy projects, manage teams, and drive business development for AECOM.
Job Highlights
About the Role
• Lead and manage the town planning team, providing line management and mentorship to junior staff. • Deliver key planning policy projects, including local authority strategies, local plans, evidence studies, and infrastructure strategies. • Provide strategic planning advice to clients and internal teams, representing AECOM at conferences and networking events. • Coordinate multi‑disciplinary teams to ensure projects are completed on budget and schedule. • Oversee quality assurance, health and safety compliance, and deliverable standards for the planning policy team. • Drive business development by nurturing client relationships and leading commercial tender preparation. • Maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships, with existing contacts in local authorities. • Produce high‑quality technical reports and communicate findings effectively.
Key Responsibilities
- ▸team leadership
- ▸policy delivery
- ▸technical reporting
- ▸quality assurance
- ▸client relations
- ▸business development
What You Bring
Due to a significant increase in planning policy project wins, we are seeking an Associate Director to join the leadership team and manage our growing workload. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker with proven experience in planning policy, strategy and project management, who can deliver high‑quality work and drive business growth. The position can be based in any of our UK offices and offers flexible full‑time or part‑time hybrid working. The role requires significant experience leading and contributing to planning policy and strategy development in a consultancy or public‑sector setting. Candidates should have strong client‑focused interpersonal skills, existing relationships with local authorities, and a business‑development mindset. A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline and membership of the RTPI (or equivalent) are essential. • Demonstrate extensive experience in planning policy and strategy development within consultancy or public sector. • Hold a degree in Town Planning (or related) and RTPI (or equivalent) membership.
Requirements
- ▸planning policy
- ▸strategy development
- ▸town planning
- ▸rtpi membership
- ▸project management
- ▸business development
Benefits
AECOM values diversity, including neurodiversity, and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and abilities. We offer hybrid work options, a comprehensive benefits and well‑being programme, and clear pathways for career progression within a supportive culture. Join us to grow your career while contributing to sustainable legacies for generations to come.
Work Environment
Hybrid